1994,] The Ornithology of New Guinea. 389 
THE ORNITHOLOGY OF NEW GUINEA. 
By GrorGe S. MEAD. 
(Mainly from the French of Meyners @ Estrey.) 
The Fauna of New Guinea shines almost exclusively in the 
variety and beauty of the birds, that are dispersed more or less 
over the islands surrounding the Papuan continent. Among 
these islands should be cited those more removed, such as 
Arrou, Adi and Sabouda, Misole, Salawatti, Batanta, Gagi, 
the isles of Gebe, King William and Waigeou as well as the 
principal islands of the great Bay of Geelvink. 
It is calculated to-day that more than 400 species of birds 
belong to this region and it is probable that this number is 
very far below the correct estimate. The interior of the con- 
tinent is certainly reserved for great surprises especially when 
we have become acquainted with the high plateaus of the 
country. 
Of these 400 species, most numerous are those belonging to 
the families of parroquetts, kingfishers, flycatchers, honey- 
birds, crows, pigeons and herons. Others more rare, are repre- 
sentatives of the owls, sparrows, hornbills, bee-eaters, wood- 
cocks and ducks. 
Among the birds of prey, should be mentioned for its size— 
Haliaétus leucogaster, which is found all through the Papuan 
Archipelago, especially the islands of Arrou; but it seems that 
it does not come to the Bay of Geelvink. The same is true of 
Haliattus indicus, while Pandion haliaétus ismet with everywhere. 
Spizaétus gurneyi is the least common of all the birds of prey 
in the Indies and one does not meet it as a rule at Gilolo and 
the islands adjacent. Rosenberg obtained a specimen at Sal- 
awatti but did not see others. ‘ 
Astur nove hollandiz is equally rare; Rosenberg killed one 
of these beautiful birds during his sojourn in Mefore. It 
strays as far as Java where occasionally it nests, and where the 
natives know it under the name of Tere. 
